Haiti

THE LAND WITH A SOUL

The Republic of Haiti, given its historical and cultural legacy, continues to be perceived and cherished for the perspective of human rights and dignity it stands for. Among other physical points of interest, the Haitian roots, culture, rare and unique history constitute the archil hills that should trigger tourists’ curiosity

By His Excellency Mr. M. Euvrard Saint Amand Ambassador of the Republic of Haiti to the United Kingdom

Formerly nicknamed Quisqueya, the island of Haiti was inhabited by Indians before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 in America. Decimated because of forced labour due to slavery, the Indians were later replaced by black Africans torn from the African continent via the transatlantic slave trade of European colonizers who competed for control of the island.

THE HISTORY

Haiti became a colony of France for more than three centuries. It provided the raw materials that enriched the economy of the major cities of France including Paris, Bordeaux, and Nantes. In 1791, African slaves began the revolution that followed the abolition of slavery in 1794, as reported by several historians, such as Thomas Madiou. When Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte

decided to re-establish slavery in Saint Domingue (Haiti’s former name) in 1802, the slaves got united to free themselves. They defeated the largest European army of that time and gave birth to the world’s first free black nation-state in January 1804. Frightened by the subversive idea that a republic should be ruled by blacks, the Western states of the time diplomatically and economically isolated Haiti. For instance: the Vatican waited until 1860 to establish ties with Haiti, which is a country officially declared Catholic. In addition, the United States of America, despite secretly trading with Haiti, recognized Haiti in 1862, during the Civil War that caused the abolition of slavery in the United States. After its independence, which has been penalized by the international community, especially French, Haiti played an exemplary role in the quest for freedom in the region and in the world. The, then, international context and the repeated threats from France to re-establish slavery into the former colony triggered the fathers’ founders of that new nation to build multiple fortresses within most of the country’s mountains to defend the territory in case of any assault. Today, those fortresses are considered, alongside with the beautiful beaches, the most visited touristic sites in Haiti. From those fortresses, the great, mysterious, majestic, and marvellous CITADELLE LAFERRIERE is among the world’s most beautiful buildings and had been recognised as world’s heritage by the UNESCO

Moreover, Haiti provided considerable assistance in ammunition and strategies to the revolutionaries. of Latin America, in particular Gran Colombia – composed of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama – from Francisco de Miranda in late 1805 and then to Simon Bolivar. The Republic of Haiti contributed to the independence of Greece from the Ottoman Empire in 1822. Although they started to fight on 25th March 1821, which is their independence date, as a sign of recognition to Haiti’s support, the Greeks declared their independence on 1st January, like Haiti, and adopted the same national motto of Haiti’s war of independence “freedom or death.” Similarly, at the United Nations conference in February 1945 in Yalta, which France did not attend, Haiti allowed the French language to become, like the English language, a working language at the United Nations on April 27, 1945.RégisDebray in Haiti and France. Report to Dominique de Villepin, Minister of Foreign Affairs (Round Table, Paris 2004) reports the words of Georges Bidault, president of the French delegation, to Haitian diplomats: “France owes you an eternal gratitude”. Historians recall that Haiti was an emblematic figure in the debates on decolonization. Haiti has actively participated in the process of Africa’s independence in terms of human’s resource and knowledgetransfers. This historical presentation highlights the attachment of the Republic of Haiti to the humanist values of liberty, equality, justice, solidarity, and selfdetermination. These values are the foundation carried by the Haitian Revolution of January 1, 1804, as a starting point in the quest for freedom throughout the world.

HERITAGE, CULTURE & TRADITIONS

Haitian culture is refined and abundant. Indeed, Creole is the most popular language in Haiti alongside the French language which is used as an academic and administrative language. Vodou, far from being only a religion, is the crucible of the model of social organization, identity, and resilience of the Haitian people in the face of formidable circumstances. Creole and Vodou both played a decisive role in the birth of Haiti. They are, to repeat LaënnecHurbon, “processes of self-reconstruction through the re-creation of new symbolic networks taken from Africa and subject to reinterpretation…” (Vodou and the Haitian Revolution, LaënnecHurbon). Geographically, Haiti forms the western three-eighths of the island of Hispaniola, west of the Dominican Republic and located east of the neighbouring island of Cuba, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. The plate where Haiti is located is constantly jostled and crushed by tectonic movements caused by the rush between the North American plate, the Cocos plate, the South American plate, and the Nazca plate. Despite its fragile location, Haiti has an important relief that makes it an excellent touristic and culinary destination. The Haitian gastronomy is one of the best tastes in the world with every single dish being organic and fresh. Alongside with the national dishes which consist of RICE AND BEANS-LALEAU or GRIOTBANANE PESEE-PIKLIZ (fried Pork-fried plantain- chilly sauce), the remarkable and delicious SOUP JOUMOU (pumpkin soup) which is mostly consumed throughout the country every 1st January to celebrate the independence, had been recognized as world’s cultural heritage by the UNESCO in 2022. Finally, with its sublime landscapes, composed of waterfalls, caves, forests, mountains and magnificent beaches, voodoo practices, colorful naïve art and culture, Haiti has always fascinated all its visitors and remain a rare and unique experience for tourists from everywhere on the planet.

HISTORICAL AND TOURIST SITES IN HAITI

Haiti has numerous historical and tourist attractions. Some of the prominent centres of attraction as listed below.

1. The MUPANAH Museum in the city of Port-au-Prince

Built partially underground, this museum displays artefacts illustrating Haiti’s history with an emphasis on its revolutionary years and its political and cultural forefathers. Get up close to artefacts from a Colombus ship, slave shackles, murder weapons and the bell that rang in independence.

2. Île-à-Vache

Thissmall island in the Caribbean Sea is a commune in Haiti that extends over nearly 46 km2. Île-àVache, which was a den of pirates in the seventeenth century, including Captain Morgan, is a real little corner of paradise where nature imposes itself and cars have no place.

3. The Coast of the Arcadins

Located on the western shores ofHaiti, Les Côte des Arcadins in Montrouis, Haiti is a popular destination to travelers worldwide. The area is home to five gorgeous resorts: Kaliko Beach, Wahoo Bay, Ouanga Bay, Moulin Sur Mer and Royal Decameron All Inclusive Resort and Spa. Each resort offers guests something different, but all of them are perfect spots for the perfect getaway in the Caribbean.

4. Haiti’s National Historical Park

Theremains of Haiti’s National Historical Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, are found in the north of the country. The National Historical Park of Haiti includes three impressive sites: – The Citadel La Ferrière, a huge fortress erected in the early nineteenth century that rises to 900 meters above sea level, making it the largest fortress in the Caribbean. At the top, the panoramic view of northern Haiti and the Caribbean Sea is breath-taking! – The ruins of the Palais Sans Souci, the former residence of King Henri Christophe ravaged by earthquakes that occurred in 1842 and 1843. – The fortified site of Les Ramiers, a plateau containing the ruins of a fort, covered with vegetation until 1972.

5. THE Citadel La Ferrière

The Citadelle La Ferrière is a military structure built in the early nineteenth century in Milot in Haiti in the Department of Nord, by Henri Christophe. It is the largest fortress on the American continent: at 900 meters above sea level, it is located 15 km south of Cap-Haïtien, within the National Historical Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.

6. Le Bassin Bleu

The Bassin Bleu, or Basenblé in Haitian Creole, is a beautiful natural site located near the city of Jacmel, in the mountains. It is composed of three pools with turquoise water (the Yes Basin of 4.6 meters deep, the Palmist Basin of 17.4 meters deep and the Clear Basin of 22.8 meters deep), into which sometimes spectacular waterfalls flow. Surrounded by lush vegetation, caves and fruit trees, these coolwater pools are perfect places to enjoy a swim, in an enchanting setting!

7. The Saut-Mathurine waterfall

Locatedat Camp-Perrin, in the south of Haiti, the Saut-Mathurine, is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the country. 27 meters high and about 30 meters wide, this incredible waterfall extends over the river Cavaillon and flows into a natural pool where it is possible to swim. Ideal after a hot day visiting the surroundings! For the anecdote, its waters are used to produce electricity and thus supply the cities of Camp-Perrin and Maniche

8. The Marie-Jeanne Cave (La Grotte Marie-Jeanne)

The Grotte Marie-Jeanne is the longest natural excavation in the Caribbean. It is a real underground labyrinth of several kilometers that would have about 56 rooms, and whose formation would date back nearly 60 million years. The interior of the cave is covered with speleothems, limestone formations typical of tropical caves. This natural treasure, located on a hill at 120 meters above sea level in the city of Port-à-Piment, in the south of the country, makes part of the things to do in Haiti!

9. The Saut d’Eau waterfall (La cascade Saut d’Eau)

WhyShould you go see the Sautd’Eau Waterfall if you plan to visit Haiti? Because the supposed magical virtues of this beautiful and vertiginous waterfall make it an emblematic sacred place of voodoo practices on the island! Its waters come from the Terrible Mountain, also considered a sacred place for Catholic and voodoo believers. The Saut d’Eau waterfall is in the district of Mirebalais, in the heart of the country.

10. Macaya National Park

This park with an area of 20 km2 is part of the Massif de la Hotte and encompasses two Haitian peaks which are the peak of Formon (2219 m) and the peak of Macaya (2347 m). It is one of the last primary forests in the country and is home to endemic species in its tropical rainforest, which explains the importance of protecting this endangered treasure.          

11. The Bay of Labadie

Labadie, or Labadee, is not only the name of a famous private seaside resort, luxurious and very frequented by tourists, it is more generally a bay formed by a paradise peninsula. Located a few kilometers northwest of Cap-Haitian, the bay of Labadie and its turquoise waters are overlooked by beautiful mountains. If you plan to explore this corner of the country, take the opportunity to stroll through Cap Haitian, or the natural site of Île-à-Rat, also called Amiga Island! The latter is an islet composed of a small virgin forest and white sand surrounded by crystal clear water from which visitors are invited to go diving, kayaking.

12. Turtle Island (Ile de la Tortue)

Tortuga Island is a Caribbean island that forms part of Haiti, off the northwest coast of Hispaniola. It constitutes the commune of Île de la Tortue in the Port-de-Paix arrondissement of the Nord-Ouest department of Haiti. The island owes its name to Christopher Columbus, because of its sea turtle shape. Tortuga is 180 square kilometres (69 square miles)[3] in size and had a population of 25,936 at the 2003 Census. In the 17th century, Tortuga was a major center and haven of Caribbean piracy. Its tourist industry and references in many works have made it one of the most recognized regions of Haiti. Recently, the cinema (Captain Blood by Michael Curtis, the pirates of the Caribbean film series…) has made it a mythical island by using it as a set and staging it! Discover this wild and mysterious island, and judge for yourself!

Tunisia

The original inhabitants are the Berbers, in 850 BC Dido founded Carthage the city that dominated the Mediterranean and faced Rome at the highest of its power. After three Punic wars, Rome took control of the region for 500 years, and then came the Muslims and the ottoman dynasty, and then the French occupation until Tunisia’s independence in 1956.

CLIMATE: A YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION

In addition to its excellent geographical location, Tunisia enjoys a great weather that makes it a year-round tourist destination : A Mediterranean climate on the northern coast, (rainy winters and sunny summers) while it is semi-desert or desert in inland areas with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

This climate diversity gives various options to choose when to go. If you want to visit the coast, the best period is between May and October, while the best period to visit the Tunisian desert will be between November and February.

This made Tunisia among the principal touristic destinations in the Mediterranean region, until October 2019 around 7.5 million tourists visited Tunisia mostly from Europe and Algeria, Russia, Japan, China and India

WHY YOU SHOULD SPEND YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY IN TUNISIA?

In fact, there are many reasons, as a tourist, you can enjoy the sea, the desert, visit museums, see Roman and Islamic monuments, enjoy thalasso, taste great food, play golf, shop in markets full of colours, and enjoy an active nightlife only in one country
Tunisia.

THE PEOPLE

Tunisians are friendly warm and generous people. They welcome guests from all over the world and are familiar with all Western and Eastern cultures especially Indian culture. Indian music and Bollywood movies are very popular.

THE BEACHES

In addition, Tunisia has more than 1300 kilometres of beautiful beaches that start from Tabarka in the north to Djerba in the south. Many hotels have their own private beaches in addition to uninhabited coastline where you can enjoy your own private stretch of paradise.

THE FOOD

Centuries of foreign occupation has incorporated French, Roman and Ottoman influences, leading to a culinary confluence that brings something to the table for everyone: from the French bread to the Turkish sweets and Italian pasta, all made in the Tunisian way. Tunisian food is spicy, sometimes Indian-level spicy, with a use of seafood, olive oil, and Harissa a hot chili paste served with most meals as a dip and is often used as an ingredient in stews and soups. It is sometimes described as “Tunisia’s main condiment”.

“Couscous” is very well known Tunisian food which can be prepared by lamb, fish, of vegetables. “Lablabi” the perfect plate for winter consists of of bread, eggs, harissa and spices all mixed with olive oil. “Brik” pastry and “salad mechouia” with tomatoes and peppers are appetizing starters, as are fresh bread and sauces, tuna, olives, roast green peppers and harissa.

NIGHTLIFE

For lovers of nightlife, Tunisia will also be your favourite destination. During the summer, festivals and concerts are spread all over the country. Night clubs are easy to find in many tourist areas and hotels especially in Hammamet and Sousse.

Active nightlife is not restricted only to the coastal areas only. Every year in November, the Electronic Dunes Festival takes place where you can enjoy dancing and music in the heart of the Nefta desert.

HOTELS AND RESORTS

Tunisia has a very developed touristic infrastructure and resorts with more than 850 hotels of various categories.

In quantitative terms, the rooming capacity in Tunisia has considerably developed, to reach 237.618 beds in 2018.

Two days ago, a few kilometers from Tozeur International Airport and the famous film site “Star Wars Epic”, “AnantaraTozeur” was inaugurated in the heart of the desert as one of the most prestigious hotels in the world.

The 5 stars hotel has 93 rooms including luxurious villas of up to 900 square meters, swimming pools, a relaxing spa, a market and a total of six restaurants.

In 2018, the famous Forbes magazine ranked Anantara Tozeur as one of the best luxury hotels in the world.

MEDICAL TOURISM

Tunisia is the second Thalassotherapy destination at a world scale after France. There are more than 49 Thalassotherapy centers throughout the country. Most of them are integrated in 5 stars Hotels. And they receive more than 152,000 visitors every year mainly from Germany France and Switzerland.

ENJOY THE EMERGING ECO TOURISM CULTURE

Eco tourism is a good choice for lovers of wild life and fresh air. In Tabarka Ain Draham or Zaghouan you can meet with the local people, share their daily life activities and spend a night in a eco friendly farm house in an experience that will allow feel the real countryside life.

DO NOT MISS !!

Often seen as simply a beach destination, Tunisia has many other attractions that make you enjoy an unforgettable journey, the old Medina of Tunis, SidiBou Said, Carthage, Kairouan, Djerba, and others places will make it live Tunisia’s cultural and historical beauty.

CARTHAGE

Founded by the King of Tyre’s daughter Elissa In 814 BC, Carthage is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is worth a long visit. The accumulation of ruins across a vast zone allows the ancient city to come alive in the imagination. In the rchaeological museum, visitors can discover the art and religious rituals of Punic Carthage. There is a rich nightlife there: restaurants, lounges, nightclubs, jazz festivals, and classical music festivals. In summer, the historic theatre hosts international shows for the International Festival of Carthage.

THE NATIONAL BARDO MUSEUM

If you want to understand the long history of Tunisia, the National Bardo Museum is a good place to start. The country’s top museum, one of the largest in Africa, is housed within a fifteenth century Hafsid palace and displays a collection of archaeological artifacts and works of art spanning the totality of Tunisia’s history. The highlight of the impressive collection is the collection of well preserved Roman mosaics – one of the best collections in the world.

SIDI BOU SAID

Located just north of Tunis, the capital. The entire town is simply beautiful, located on top of a steep cliff, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, with flowers draped from almost every wall and doorway, and beautiful flowing vines hanging throughout the entire area. The view from SidiBou Said is absolutely phenomenal, and will continue to amaze you throughout your entire trip.

ENJOY THE SOUKS

Built in the 7th century, the Tunis medina was one of the first Arabo-Muslim towns in the Magreb, and it is a must-see for visitors. The streets in the medina are narrow and winding, full of covered souks, artisans’ workshops and residential buildings with colourful painted doors. The souks are organised by the type of products on sale. So there are souks for perfume, wedding goods, spices, textiles and so on.

HAMMAMET

Hammamet is a wonderful resort town in Tunisia. With its sandy beaches, the town is the definite top place to go to enjoy amazing holidays near the sea. Furthermore, Hammamet has a lot more to give than simply swimming and enjoying water sports on the beach. From the well-known Jasmine you can find all over the region to the many interesting buildings and natural wonders of the area, you’ll find plenty of things to fulfill your Tunisian vacation.

EL JEM AMPHITHEATER

The impressive ruins of the largest colosseum in North Africa, a huge amphitheatre which could hold up to 35,000 spectators, is found in the small village of El Jem, 3 hours from Tunis. This 3rd-century monument is one of the most iconic architectural contributions of ancient Rome.

KAIROUAN

Away from the coast, Kairouan is a fascinating city still anchored in a distant past. One of Islam’s holy cities, it was the first capital of the Maghreb. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, it conceals several marvels: the medina, the venerable Great Mosque, the Aghlabid Basins, the stunning mausoleum of SidiSahbi decorated with ceramic tiles… And of course it is impossible to forget the numerous workshops where the most famous carpets in Tunisia are made.

THE SAHARA

If you head south, you can enjoy a night in the heart of the Tunisian desert, enjoy the sunset and oasis scenes, and ride a camel. In a unique experience that makes you feel the true sense of freedom in the extended desert.

DJERBA

Tunisia’s southern island of Djerba is known for drawing tourists to its whitewashed buildings, sandy beaches rimmed with turquoise water, and colourful souks. But it’s also notable as a bastion of coexistence. The small island is the home of the last Tunisian Jews, with one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish populations in the Arab world – and the oldest synagogue in Africa.

GRAND ERG ORIENTAL

The Grand Erg Oriental is a large series of sand dunes located in the Tunisian Desert. This spectacular and expansive sand formation is truly one of the natural wonders of Tunisia. It spans an impressive area of 600 km in width and 200 km long.

There are a number of tours available to Grand Erg, and many people visit this area of the Sahara each year to witness its remarkable beauty.

STAR WARS LOCATIONS

If you have Star Wars fans in the family, you can base a whole week trip on seeing the film locations. This includes visiting the underground ‘troglodyte’ structures of Matmata, taking a hike in ‘Star Wars Canyon’ and walking through the streets of “MosEspa”.

While Star Wars is one of the best-known movies to have been shot in Tunisia, it is certainly not the only one. Raiders of the Lost Ark, The English Patient and even The Life of Brian were all filmed in Tunisia which can be an ideal location for Indian film-makers to shot the next Bollywood films.

Nicaragua

THE HIDDEN GEM OF CENTRAL AMERICA

A destination that has it all, and diversity being its greatest attraction, Nicaragua is enjoyable, with natural beauty, rich and lively culture, incomparable traditions, and history, located in the heart of America, ideal for those looking for something different

By Her Excellency Ms. Guisell Morales-Echaverry, Ambassador of Nicaragua to the United Kingdom

Nicaragua offers you sun and beach, adventure, nature, culture, cuisine, and, colonial cities, everything that a tourist looks for on their trips. When arriving you will be greeted by its tropical weather that gives you energy and encouragement to go out and discover the country, walk through its streets, visit cities that date back to the Spanish era where you can breathe the living culture in each place, get to know the traditions, history, the exquisite gastronomy or tour its picturesque villages by bicycle, sharing with its people who, due to their unique hospitality, will capture you from the very first moment.

VIBRANT CULTURE

The culture of Nicaragua is a product of the mixture of indigenous identity with Spanish and African heritage, traditions, dances with different musical rhythms, and especially culinary customs are still preserved— one of the aspects that most attracts tourists since it captures the essence of the places where it is prepared– shows autochthonous features of each area and contributes to the rescue of the different cultural expressions of the country, becoming something attractive during your visit.

The colonial cities include urban, cultural, and historical tourism with incredible architectural sights. Granada and León are the oldest cities, founded in colonial times in 1524. An important icon of León is the Insigne y Real BasílicaCatedral de la Asunción de la Bienaventurada Virgen María, known as the Cathedral of León, the largest in Central America and one of the most beautiful in America, for its artistic and historical value, it was declared a National Historic Monument on December 14, 1999, and elevated by UNESCO to the category of World Heritage Site on June 28, 2011.

RICH ARCHITEC TURAL HERITAGE

Its churches, colonial buildings, architectural, natural and cultural heritage make this department an attractive destination on a national and international level. Likewise, the traditional purísimas, museums, legends, intense folklore, and daily laborious life make this city an unforgettable destination to spend the night and enjoy.

POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

The unique, Granada, a destination that you definitely have to visit, converted into the tourism capital of Nicaragua, located just 40 minutes from Managua, its main attraction is the colonial, neoclassical, and baroque architecture visible in houses, streets, squares, monuments, and churches; La Calzada street is preferred by tourists, taking a ride through its roads by horse-drawn carriages is something typical of the city, and you cannot leave without savoring a delicious vigorón in Central Park or the local market, accompanied by delicious cocoa or grass ―known locally as grama- drink. One of the incredible attractions of Granada is the Islets of Granada, an archipelago that has 365 small islands that decorate the great Lake of Nicaragua, formed by the powerful eruption of the Mombacho volcano, a tropical paradise full of abundant vegetation and native fauna, in which you can see a number of species of birds, monkeys and a wide variety of fish.

The main tourist activity in the islets is boat rides or tours, which are an unforgettable experience for visitors since in these islets you can find different attractions such as the Spanish Fort San Pablo, located there to defend the city from the attack of pirates in the colonial era, also a visit to the Isla de los Monos, visit one of the restaurants located on the islets, either to eat or rest and learn about the culture of the local inhabitants. The national diversity of the country is one of its main attractions, numerous nature reserves are the cover letter of the different destinations that you can visit and activities to do, hiking up amazing mountains of extensive forests, walks between ancient natural canyons, kayaking by the rivers, lakes, and lagoons that complement these natural wonders are just a part of everything you have to do.

THE RING OF FIRE

Something unique that draws the attention of tourists is the large number of volcanoes, the ring of fire that runs through the country’s geography, constitutes part of its majestic landscapes, with 26 powerful volcanoes, 7 of them active, that offer a range of attractions and activities for doing, visiting them, exploring and appreciating their spectacular views, is simply a privilege. If what you are looking for is adrenaline, you can climb these colossi and see the resplendent magma inside its crater, camp in its surroundings, or even sandboard descending through a table down the Cerro Negro volcano, cool off in the lagoons that are inside or canopy through the treetops, are some of the activities that will leave you dazzled.

THE SUN, SAND & SERENITY

There are so many virtues of the country that thanks to its location you can enjoy the beaches of the two oceans, where you will have relaxing afternoons on the Caribbean coast with its white sands and crystal-clear waters, savoring a delicious coconut There are so many virtues of the country that thanks to its location you can enjoy the beaches of the two oceans, where you will have relaxing afternoons on the Caribbean coast with its white sands and crystal-clear waters, savoring a delicious coconut.

TRANQUIL DESTINATIONS

A surprising and unique destination in the country is the Ometepe Island, a natural paradise, known as the “Oasis of peace” an icon of tourism in Nicaragua, the Ometepe Island Biosphere Reserve is a tourist standard in the country due to its natural and cultural attractions, which can boast of being the largest island in the world within a freshwater lake with 2 volcanoes, one of them active, is located within Lake Nicaragua or Lake Cocibolca, which only takes an hour by ferry to reach its spectacular coasts, whereupon arrival the colossi Concepción and Maderas volcanoes dazzle, imposing wonders that impress all visitors. This and more is Nicaragua… A multiethnic, multilingual, and multicultural country that stands out for its natural treasures where we are sure that time will simply not be enough, and when it’s time for you to leave you will not want to go, all the beauty of Nicaragua and the affection of its people will make you feel like part of them, a unique country where there will always be something more to do and many experiences to live, unique experiences… original, that will turn your trip into an unimaginable journey

Serbia

AN EXCITING TOURIST DESTINATION

Serbia as an exciting tourist destination generously offers countless reasons for you to visit and return for more exploration, over and over again. We are especially proud of Serbia’s interesting nature and its picturesque terrain

By Her Excellency Ms. Aleksandra Joksimovic, Ambassador of Serbia to the United Kingdom

Serbia has mountain peaks, both steep and mild, that entice you to conquer them. Reaching the top will reward you with the magnificent views to enjoy from numerous lookouts. River flows, meanders that they create, framed by rocks that have been carved by nature for millions of years are landscapes that you can find in West Serbia, but also in the south of the country. Those who enjoy the scenes of the meadows, fertile arable land and soothing energy choose Vojvodina, our granary. Five national parks are ideal places for getting to know the natural beauty, but also the indigenous plant and animal species inhibiting those areas.

A BREATHTAKING DESTINATION THAT RELAXES AND INSPIRES: THE UVAC CANYON AND THE FLIGHT OF THE GRIFFON VULTURE

For those who are looking for positive vibes and getting acquainted with tradition, history, and culture, cities full of life are perfect destination. There are plenty of options to choose, the metropolitan spirit of Belgrade, the energy of the European capital of culture Novi Sad or the southern temperament, spirit and tastes of Nis and Vranje.

IF YOU END UP IN BELGRADE, BE SURE TO VISIT THE LARGEST ORTHODOX CHURCH IN THE BALKANS. THE SAINT SAVA TEMPLE WILL GIVE YOU A HISTORICAL LESSON ON THE PERSEVERANCE, CHALLENGES, VICTORIES AND SUCCESSES OF SERBIAN PEOPLE

European countries can be proud of the magnificent, energetic andpowerful Danube river. Serbia is also proud of its strength, the traces it left throughout history and the places it makes beautiful along its flow.

EXPERIENCE THE PLACE WHERE THE DANUBE IS THE NARROWEST AND THE DEEPEST

Speaking of our country, we are proud to present a magnificent cultural mosaic made of millenniaold civilizations: monasteries and churches safeguarding the people, history and faith in the most difficult times; fortresses with secrets to convey, contemporary architectural achievements, scientific discoveries, as well as the modern spirit of Serbia we are excited to share with you.

VICTORIES, FEARS AND SECRETS WOVEN INTO THE FORTRESS WALLS

In addition to the described scenes and colours, an unavoidable part of every destination tour, short or long stay, is the tasting of some new, but also old, somewhat forgotten flavours. Tastes that are specific to a certain region and that generations do not give up.

SNACKS AND FLAVOURS THAT WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO COME HERE AGAIN

Vivid and beautiful, photographs are not enough. Even the storytelling cannot describe the destination. This is why we are inviting you to experience Serbia. It is the slogan of the national tourist organisation and the best invitation to come to our country. Experience Serbia!

Jamaica

THE MOST MUSICAL COUNTRY IN THE WORLD

This August Jamaica celebrates 179 years of Emancipation from slavery, a most significant milestone which coincides with the arrival of the first Indians to our island. We also commemorate 60 years of Independence as well as 60 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations with India. There is much to reflect on in our shared history and indeed much to be grateful for. It is a tremendous honour as Jamaica’s first resident High Commissioner to India to greet you on this occasion. Please allow me to share with you a small snippet of my country as we move to further strengthen the relationship and foster meaningful exchanges between our great nations.

By His Excellency Mr. Jason K. M. Hall, High Commissioner of Jamaica to India

“Think you know Jamaica?” Not many countries in the world deliver such a confounding array of superlative, if not audacious global achievements from such a relatively small place with so few people. Roughly the size of the Northern Indian state of Tripura, with a population of 2.7 million, Jamaica has emerged as a global superpower of culture, through music and sport. Designated the most musical country in the world in terms of per capita output, Jamaica has the distinction of originating over 14 genres of music. Not including Reggae, our most renown, which is more of a social movement, not in reference to the dancing, though that is also a phenomenon, but due to its message of love, peace and justice, giving voice to the upliftment of people everywhere. Our musicality grabs you by the “beat of your pants”, moves your feet, stirs your heart and satisfies your soul. Both TIME Magazine’s Album of the Millennium and the BBC’s Song of the Century (Exodus and One Love) were penned by Bob Marley, a lyrical genius, one of Jamaica’s greatest sons and biggest ambassador of Reggae. In sport; Jamaica has produced the fastest woman and man on the planet (Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce and Usain Bolt) and has amassed over a third of the total Olympic and World Championship sprint medals to be won in history, repeatedly “sweeping the podium”. Just recently we produced the only person ever, to win World Championship gold in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m and 4x400m – Shericka Jackson. This legacy of sporting excellence extends to other disciplines; boxing, swimming, rugby, football, netball and of course cricket. A sport where we have made a significant contribution as part of the West Indies with legends such as George Headley, Lawrence Rowe, Jeffrey Dujon, Michael Holding, Courtney Walsh and Chris.

Gayle to list but a few. We were also the first tropical island to field a team in the winter Olympics, competing in the Bob Sled (what no snow? no problem!). Our success is attributable to our indomitable spirit, our drive to succeed and fearless unflappable yet playful nature that keeps us calm in the tense moments of competition.

Gayle to list but a few. We were also the first tropical island to field a team in the winter Olympics, competing in the Bob Sled (what no snow? no problem!). Our success is attributable to our indomitable spirit, our drive to succeed and fearless unflappable yet playful nature that keeps us calm in the tense moments of competition.

Perhaps there is some Darwinian principle at play or maybe it has to do with the way the rich fertile volcanic soil integrates with limestone filtered fresh rainwater that help create the ideal “terroir” from which comes the some of the world’s finest rum and coffee, as well as countless other medicinal plants and herbs endemic to the island.

Our national motto; “Out of Many, One People”, underscores our diversity and partly explains the unique delectability of our cuisine, a mélange of our African, Indian, Chinese and European heritage. From our worldfamous Jerk Cuisine, to fresh fruits of sea and land there is something uniquely remarkable about the tastes you will encounter. Of special note is Ital food, an all-natural, no salt, vegan fare from the Rastafarian faith, an Abrahamic religion born in Jamaica which promotes peace, love and respect of self and others, teaching us how to live in harmony with the environment.

Today Jamaica is connected to the world with over 400 international flights weekly, and there is no visa requirement for holders of most passports including Indian. Yet tourism is not the only attraction, with low inflation, strong economic growth, an investor friendly transparent regime, and the highest rank in ease of doing business in the region (6th globally, 2020 – IMF), the island is also unfolding as a destination for investment. In 2015 and 2018, Jamaica had the highest performing Stock Exchange in the world with a 233% rally. The stable credit rating, enabling government fiscal policy, developed infrastructure (6 cargo ports, 5 cruise ports, 3 international airports, extensive fiber optic/ broadband capacity) and strategic geographic positioning amalgamate to create a strong value proposition across a number of sectors, including; ICT (digital services), maritime services & logistics, agriculture, renewable energy, mining and tourism.

Whatever your inclination, whatever your passion, whether you are seeking thrilling adventure, or rest/relaxation/ rejuvenation, a romantic getaway, cultural enlightenment or spiritual alignment, investment and growth, Jamaica awaits you.

In the words of Bob Marley; “One Love, One Heart,………. Come to Jamaica and feel alright!”

Moldova

5 REASONS TO VISIT MOLDOVA AND TO BE SURPRISED BY IT

After an exhausting period of global pandemic, all of us deserve enjoying the moments of relaxation, and the Republic of Moldova is ready to offer a perfect recipe which includes a diversity of authentic tourist attractions and easy adventure. In Moldova, fruits and vegetables have a particular taste, wines contain a bouquet of flavors of more than 50 sorts of grape, and won 956 medals at 32 international profile competitions in 2020

By Her Excellency Mrs. Angela Ponomariov, Ambassador of Moldova to the United Kingdom

Hiking through the secular forests, exploring Moldova with kayak, navigating on Dniesterand Prut, photo sessions on lavender fields, sleeping in barrels, running through the longest underground wine galleries, climbing caves, witnessing the gathering of thousands of pelicans on Beleulake, visiting cave monasteries – all these will bring charm to your tourist itinerary no matter which one you choose. Still being considered as enigma for the majority of tourists, the Republic of Moldova, with the assistance of the Agency of Investment, decided to tell the world about its unexplored potential and launched a campaign which promotes the country and is accompanied by a message: “Moldova: A place to find yourself.” We offer you five reasons to include the Republic of Moldova into the list of the destinations worth being discovered!

EXPLORE ADVENTURE TOURS

If you prefer active mode of life, you will also find suitable activities in Moldova. Those visitors who are in love with adventures, can choose a trip with kayak, hiking in the woods or cycling trails. If you are looking for a unique experience, you can take part in marathon in the underground cellars of Cricova or Milestii Mici, which are as long as 120 and 200 kilometers correspondingly.

CHERISH RICH HERITAGE

You can discover Soviet architecture and history. In 2021, Moldova celebrated 30 years of independence. With all these, a greater part of the complicated Soviet past is still present in urban architecture, especially in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova.

ENJOY SUMPTUOUS CUISINE

Here you will find intense wines and discover unique gastronomic experience. When in the Republic of Moldova, you can’t help but visit the famous wineries included in the “Wine Route.” This offers a remarcable oenogastronomic experience, from hautecuisine delights and noble wines, appreciated worldwide, to traditional dishes accompanied by artisanal wines, unique in flavors and character they show.

EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF SLOW LIFE

You can enjoy picturesque sceneries and experience in full the concept of “slow life” The Republic of Moldova inspires visitors by its rich history and intact nature. Old Duruitoarea Cave, formed a couple of million years ago in a reef of Sarmatic sea and its breath taking sceneries will make you feel as being on filming sets of “Lord of the Rings,” as well as medieval cave monasteries, dug in cliffs of Old Orhei, Tipova and Saharna. Moldova is one of the few European countries where people still live according to “slow life” concept, preferring simple and calm life, which involves sustainable farming practices which help to escape from our hyperactive world by offering you moments of full relaxation.

ENLARGE YOUR HORIZONS BY DISCOVERING MODERN HISTORY

What would you say about a tour around writers’ houses? Discover modern history of Moldova by visiting writers’ and artists’ houses, transformed into museums. The house of the first contemporary poet from Moldova, Grigore Vieru, situated at Pererita village, is an example of the traditional architecture. On the other hand, the house of Russian classical poet, Alexandr Puskin, who was exiled to Chisinau and lived here for three years, is a sample of urban history of the beginning of the XIX century. Moldova is a destination which can enlarge your horizons. By living this tactile and sensory experience, you will be able to see things in a different perspective, transforming your stay into a travel in time, to authentic values and genuine places.

MOLDOVA: A COMPLETE TOURIST DESTINATION

In summary, what is our main pitch to convince you to come? That you will enjoy chill and cozy afternoons in our capital Chisinau. You will discover and taste our delicious food by the side of our hosts at rural guesthouses. You will go on 150 km of wine routes from the north to the south of our country tasting excellent wines and learning about traditional Moldovan varietals. And, if this is not enough you can surely find a kayak to paddle down a river, a hill to climb, explore a cave monastery, or even travel back in time here in Moldova. And finally, what will you feel when you arrive in Moldova? Genuine hospitality. It has always been Moldovans’ middle name throughout our history. In the past few years, we’ve been working hard to spread the word on this. And as a result, our tourism is growing in a way that highlights our authentic culture, traditions, cuisine and vibrant wineries. So, try staying at a rural guesthouse for a few days of rest, fabulous homecooked food and incomparable Moldovan hospitality. You’ll return to the world you came from with your batteries recharged. This is why Moldova is a place to find yourself. Not only can we promise you an unforgettable experience when you visit, but one you can share with friends and family in real time – because we have first-rate Internet and some of the fastest mobile data speeds in Europe.

LET YOURSELF BE SURPRISED BY MOLDOVA!

Ghana

Great Land of Gold

Already recognized as one of the great kingdoms in Bilad el-Sudan by the ninth century, modern Ghana is considered one of the more stable countries in West Africa since its transition to multi-party democracy in 1992. Formerly known as the Gold Coast, it is still famous for gold & cocoa. More recently oil forms the cornerstone of Ghana’s economy and has helped fuel an economic boom.

By Her Excellency Samata Gifty Bukari, Consul-General to the UAE, Republic of Ghana

The vision of Ghana under the able leadership of HE President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo is to create prosperity and equal opportunities for all in a stable, united and safe country.

On the Path of Rapid Progress

The focus areas of development in Ghana include Agriculture with a flagship programme of planting for food and jobs. This is to ensure food security. We have also adopted the approach of one district one factory. These factories shall process various products, therefore creating employment for the teaming youth in Ghana. Education for all: Basic education in Ghana public schools is free. The President has expanded the Free education to cover Senior High School. This is to ensure that all children get educated in order to produce the right type of Human Resource for nation’s development by training them in Science and Technology. Health and Sanitation is another focus area of development.

Tourism Opportunities

Tourism is an important sector of the economy. Then, infrastructure development plays an important role, that is road, rail, sea and air. Energy also contributes to national development. Finally, good governance, respect for human rights and security are emphasized. Ghana generally has several tourist attractions. The main tourist attractions in Ghana include the following: National Parks, Safaris, Ostriches, Walkways, Castles and Forts to tell the history of slave trade, water falls, lakes, Lagoons and natural beaches, Abudu gardens, monkey sanctuary, Museums, mountains, volcanoes. crocodile ponds, Zoos, Mining sites, river bodies, etc. Our tradition and culture is also quite rich, including our dressing and the food we eat. Importantly, the people of Ghana are very hospitable. Ghana also has excellent air and sea connections to the rest of the world.

Tourism, has become a global and highly competitive socio-economic and environmental activity in both developed and developing countries. In Ghana, it is the fastest growing industry that stimulates other sectors in the national economy, such as agriculture, transport, manufacturing, real estates, industries and others. It is an important vehicle that can be harnessed by developing countries to speed up their drive towards socio-economic transformation. The industry is labour-intensive and supports diverse and versatile labour markets, offering small-scale employment opportunities, such as Travel and Tours, Accommodation Food & Beverage, Transportation, Attractions, Craft Villages, Events & Conferences, and many more, which help to promote gender equity. Tourism has been known to diversify economies, create jobs, generate revenue for governments and stimulate businesses. Aviation plays a central role in supporting tourism. In Africa, an estimated 5.8% people are employed by influx of overseas visitors, most of whom arrive in the region by air, and contributed $46 billion to GDP in African economies in 2014. The importance of strategic air links cannot be understated; business, leisure, and tourism all require reliable, affordable, frequent connections to key destinations in order to flourish and grow.

Investment Opportunities Related to Tourism

The increasing number of tourists and the evolving profile of today’s traveler demand a host of new tourism offerings and infrastructure projects. A wide spectrum of investment opportunities arise out of Ghana’s long-term tourism plans. Marine Drive Project Development involves super structures and infrastructure at the beach front in Accra. It seeks to plan and develop the entire parcel of land, stretching from the Osu Klottey lagoon (behind the Christiansburg Castle) to the Accra community centre, covering an area of 215.7 acres. Marine Drive Plan: It plans to decongest the city centre of nonconforming uses and re-instate a new land use structure befitting the capital city; Intensify the use of land to be consistent with the high values of land and also counteract the apparent scarcity of land in Accra; and Create an environment to attract high levels of investment in the city centre. It is also re-zoning the stretch of land into a tourism enclave to build Hotel Resorts, Craft village, Golf course, Restaurants, Coastal reclamation, Christianborg castle, etc.

My Efforts towards Cordial Relations

As Consul General of Ghana, I shall work hard to strengthen bilateral relations between the UAE, and all other nations worldwide. Market Ghana in business and investment is working closely with Ghana investment Promotion Council and other Chambers of Commence. It’s my duty to attend seminars and forums in order to learn as well as share best practices with other countries, and showcase the heritage of Ghana through collaboration with the Sharjah Heritage Institute. I am working towardss creating an attractive and conducive business environment to attract Foreign Direct Investment. Finally I shall love to see Ghana becoming the gateway to West Africa as well as moving beyond Aid.

Japan

Land of Values & Intellect

A Paleolithic culture around 30,000 BC constitutes the first known habitation of the Japanese archipelago. Often called the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan has always shown the world way forward be it technology, showing respect to others, or living in harmony. Today, it is the world’s third-largest economy by nominal GDP and the world’s fourth-largest economy by purchasing power parity. It is also the world’s fourth-largest exporter and fourth-largest importer, and is considered a great power.

By His Excellency Dr. Akima Umezawa, Consul-General to the UAE, Japan

As a vision of Japan, I’d like to introduce a keyword “Society 5.0” which is defined as “A human-centered society that balances economic advancement with the resolution of social problems by a system that highly integrates cyberspace and physical realities”

High Level of Vision

The naming of Society 5.0 implies the 5th generations of the social revolution, following the hunting society (Society 1.0), agricultural society (Society 2.0), industrial society (Society 3.0), and information society (Society 4.0). Society 5.0 is a vision of super smart society, and an ongoing policy principle advocated in the 5th national plan of science and technology, which was adopted at the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2016. In the super smart society (Society 5.0), “Internet of Things (IoT)” connects all people and things, and all sorts of knowledge and information are shared, then totally new value will be born. “Artificial Intelligence (AI)” frees humans from burdensome works of analyzing huge amounts of information. The possibilities of humans expand through the evolutionary utilization of robots, autonomous car, etc. Society 5.0 achieves a high degree of convergence between cyberspace (virtual space) and physical reality (real world). A huge amount of information from sensors in physical space is accumulated in cyberspace. This big data has been analyzed by artificial intelligence (AI), then the outcome has been already fed-back to the Japanese society in real world in various forms. This process brings new value to industry and society in super smart ways. As the economy grows globally, there have been growing socioeconomic challenges such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, a stable increase of foods production while a reduction of loss of food-staffs, mitigation of social and economical costs associated with aging society, support of sustainable industrialization, redistribution of wealth, and correction of regional inequality for the prosperous world. New technologies such as IoT, robotics, AI, and big data drive a drastic change in society developments to resolve such challenges. Under the Society 5.0, Japan seeks a new super smart society that incorporates these state-of-the-art new technologies in all industries and social activities, consequently achieving both economic development and solution of socioeconomic challenges in parallel.

Tourism Opportunities

In 2017, inbound visitors to Japan achieved the record high of 28.7 million which shows the number of foreign tourists has increased 20%- 40% annually during the last five years. Tourists’ interests in Japan as a destination have widely expanded through visit-promotion campaigns by not only enhancing the Japan’s rich attractiveness but also the exemption and relaxation of visa requirements, the expansion of tax-free program, expanding the flight and cruise networks, and so on. For example, the government of Japan has taken the visa relaxation measures for the UAE nationals in 2017 and Indian nationals in 2018. Current targets of the number of inbound visitors are 40 million in 2020 and 60 million in 2030, respectively. These targets will be achieved through further strengthening the visit-promotion campaign, especially through maximizing the opportunity of the world-class big events held in Japan, such as Rugby World Cup 2019 and Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games 2020. Inbound tourism is one of the most important growth sectors, currently contributing 4.5% of the Japan’s GDP. Marketing and promoting the inbound tourism also utilize the cross-sectoral business activities including digital marketing, social media, and collaboration with local government. Another challenge for the expansion of inbound tourism in Japan would be to diversify the source of market, where tourists coming from North East Asia region account for 85% of total inbound visitors and for 10% from South East Asia in recent years. The statistics shows heavy concentration on the inbound market in the East Asia. In the meantime, the number of visitors from the UAE has increased from 2,027 visitors in 2012 to 7,106 visitors in 2017. Such a longterm steep increase as recorded at 70% annual expansion of the number of visitors from the UAE to Japan demonstrates further potential of hottest market for the tourism sector between the two countries.

Strengthening Strategic Partnership

First, I would like to introduce some of the remarkable developments of the bilateral relations in political and business sectors. A highlight of the political relations was the leaders meeting between H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces on the occasion of the visit of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the UAE in April this year. They formulated the “Joint Statement on Deepening and Strengthening Strategic Partnership between Japan and the United Arab Emirates – Opening a New Chapter of Cooperation towards Prosperity and Stability, as a reflection of their desire to further develop bilateral strategic relations in all areas of cooperation. Through delivering the Joint Statement, both leaders affirmed their commitment to formulating a joint vision and a joint cooperation strategy under the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative”. They also confirmed their strategic coordination in the areas of (1) political cooperation, (2) economy (business, trade and investment) including diversification of non-energy sector, including the small and medium enterprises, (3) cultural cooperation – Expo and Olympic, (4) education, advanced science and technology including the space cooperation, (5) cooperation in environment, energy and water, (6) defense cooperation, (7) aviation cooperation, (8) security cooperation, (9) cooperation in the fields of agriculture and food security, (10) women empowerment, and so on, under the commitment of strengthening their strategic partnership in a comprehensive manner. Since I have been posted here in Dubai as the Consul General in Dubai, honestly speaking, every step I have taken is humbly not so big one. I have extended dialogues with every department of the Dubai government as well as many departments of Sharjah and other Emirates’ governments. I have delivered my speeches and presentations at various occasions where I was invited by the above governments, the federal government, private sectors and social clubs, promoting the Japanese culture, state-of-the-art technologies, business practice and so on. I have also coordinated business seminars, inviting respectively the Japanese Ambassador to Iraq, to Lebanon, to Kuwait, to Iran and so on as lecturers. I have promoted Japanese products, technologies, cultures and service to the UAE people and market through many events organized by the Consulate-General. There are many of such small steps I have taken, based on the friendly and cordial relations between the UAE and Japan. More importantly, every member of the Japanese community in Dubai has also contributed to enhance our cordial bilateral relations to a greater or lesser extent. Gathering and accumulating these variety of endeavors graciously creates a huge dynamism of our relations. My role might have been modestly to coordinate such concerted endeavors, expecting to spur driving forces for enhancing further our bilateral relations.

Japan-india relationship

Japan and India have enjoyed significant deepening of bilateral relations especially in the past couple of years and the growing convergence in the political, economic and strategic interests. The bilateral relations are based on a firm foundation of common values and traditions, as well as on an emerging consensus on contemporary issues of peace, security and development. Both countries are committed to work together to elevate their partnership to the next level to advance common strategic objectives at a time when the global community is faced with new challenges. The historic visit of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Gujarat last year showed the Japan-India relationship has entered a new era. The visit was unprecedented and special, most evidently demonstrated in the enormous welcome and gracious hospitality that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and from the people of Gujarat. Indeed, the quantum leap in our relationship has been achieved under the strong leadership of and genuine friendship between the two leaders. Highlights of a few significant outcomes two countries have achieved are (1) convergence of two strategies into “Free, Open and Prosperous Indo-Pacific” by Modi’s “Act East Policy” and Abe’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategies”, (2) much awaited Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Railway project, (3) civil nuclear cooperation based on the bilateral Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy in 2016, (4) rapid increase in Japanese FDI to India under the Japan-India Investment Promotion Partnership 2014, and so on.

Potential in India

Geopolitically, India is one of the biggest influential stakeholders in the globe, as it is anchored at the center of the Indian Ocean, which connects Asia and Africa, two of which are current and the next growth engines in the world economy. India is also positioned at the significant important geological point where its coast is along the course of one of the most busy sea lanes. Needless to say, India is the 3rd largest economy in Asia, with the world’s 2nd largest population and has a huge middle-income group, thus having the biggest potential of not only economic growth but also as the global influential power. The Indian economy has kept such a high growth at around 7% annually since Prime Minister Modi took office in 2014. In addition, the stock market has been booming, both production and consumption have increased, and the FDI has steadily risen with a backdrop of deregulation led by Prime Minister Modi. Diplomatically, Prime Minister Modi has put forward the “Act East Policy” and promoted largely the cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, thereby helping India gain further influential power in an international arena as one of the biggest global powers. The phrase “21st century would be an era of India” might become a true story.

Serbia

Acclaimed for its Strength & Spirit

Ranking high on the Human Development Index (66th), Social Progress Index (47th) as well as the Global Peace Index (56th), Serbia is known for several wonderful things. Just for an idea, Miroslav’s Gospel, written in 1180, is the oldest Serbian manuscript that entered in the register of UNESCO. In addition, 18 Roman emperors were born on the territory of the modern-day Serbia. And of course, Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, physicist, and futurist who is best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system. Here, I want to discuss the huge growth potential of Serbia.

By His Excellency Milos Perisic, Charge D’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia

Talking about some plain economic facts, the economy of Serbia is the 84th or 79th largest in the world at $37.739 billion or $107.131 billion by nominal gross domestic product (GDP) or purchasing power parity (PPP) respectively. Since 2000, the country has experienced fast economic growth. Further, Serbia has been successful in swiftly increasing its foreign direct investment as a permanent trend, which is quite conspicuous in several industries including the auto industry (Fiat), metal processing (US Steel), building materials (Lafarge), food and beverages (Carlsberg, Coca-Cola, and Nestle), textiles (Golden Lady, Pompea), leather (Progetti Company, Falc East), and ICT (Microsoft and Siemens). Actually, according to the German Chamber of Commerce, Serbia is the top investment destination in South-Eastern Europe. To improve the situation further, the Government of Serbia took a number of brave measures in the previous period in order to heal our economy and to make Serbia a reliable partner for various world economies. Serbia now is seen as one of the fastest developing countries in our region and we have already attracted a huge number of renowned international companies to invest in our economy. We have taken several high-level initiatives to create a highly friendly business environment for foreign investors and we are giving significant incentives to companies that want to start business in Serbia. Foreign investments are protected in Serbia by the law and we do have a stable macroeconomic situation. What attracts foreign investors in Serbia are skilled and educated labor, low operation costs and taxes, easy procedures and good security situation in the country. Serbia is traditionally an agricultureand industry-oriented country. We are one of the biggest European producers of raspberries, plums, apples, wheat and corn. Also, we have a long tradition of production of different types of machines, cars, trucks and heavy equipment. We are focused on developing and modernizing our industry and on the other side, we are rapidly becoming a strong center in the region for the IT sector. We do have excellent young programmers and we will continue to invest in our people. Also, Serbia has strong tourism potentials which we are developing now in order to attract more tourists.

Amity with the UAE

Serbia and the UAE have excellent relations in all the fields and we are taking necessary measures to improve those relations further. Two countries have signed a couple of bilateral agreements which are important and which make the cooperation easier (we cancelled the visas for UAE passport holders, and MoUs were signed on protection and promotion of investments as well on avoiding of double taxation). As a result of great relations between Serbia and the UAE leadership, we have seen a couple of big UAE investments in Serbia, namely, Etihad Airways has become a partner of Air Serbia, and Al Dahra & Al Rawafed have invested in the agriculture sector and Eagle Hills has started a huge project in Belgrade, Belgrade Waterfront. Once completed, Belgrade Waterfront will be one of the most beautiful areas in our part of Europe. Residential units, hotels, offices and shopping malls will be constructed in accordance with the highest world standards in architecture, and the Belgrade Tower will be the new landmark of our capital. In addition, a number of Serbian companies have started their business in the UAE and they have found in the UAE really good opportunities for business. Our two countries have created great cooperation in other fields also like culture, sports, tourism, science, etc. and we are working really hard to connect Serbia with the UAE.

Strengthening Ties with India

Bilateral relations between Serbia and India are historical and very friendly. For Serbia, India is one of the most important partners in Asia and we want to enhance our cooperation in all the fields (economy, tourism, culture, science, etc.). The then Prime Minister and now President of Serbia H.E. Aleksandar Vučić visited India in January 2017 and met the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and it was agreed that the potentials for cooperation should be improved. We do see many opportunities for cooperation with India, which is one of the most important and fastest growing economies nowadays. Also, a couple of strong Indian companies have invested in Serbia and both the investors and Serbia are happy with that cooperation.

Glorious Traditions and Cultures

Republic of Serbia has consistently become a more and more popular tourism destination. In 2016, more than 2.75 million tourists visited our country, which is an increase of 13%, comparing to 2015. Government of the Republic of Serbia and Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications are investing great efforts to attract tourists to Serbia. We are also investing in the infrastructure & accommodation capacities, and we do support travel agencies and hotels. Serbia is the first country in Europe, which cancelled the visas for Chinese passport holders, since January 2017. The holders of passports of EU, USA, UK, Russian Federation, Turkey, GCC (except KSA) and many other countries are allowed to enter Serbia without visa. The tourism potentials of Serbia are presented at major international travel exhibitions in the world and the Belgrade, capital of Serbia, hosts biggest regional travel show (every year in February).

Norway

Spreading Happiness Worldwide

Known as one of the most beautiful countries on earth naturally – due to its fjords, mountains, a vibrant culture and the midnight sun – Norway (of course its people) has also consistently shown light to the rest of the world as one of the happiest and safest places on Earth. It believes in “all men’s rights”, and is home to one of the most modern societies and urban & rural living places. Its hundred and thousands of lakes, the world’s longest tunnel, its more than 240,000 islands and a coastline of more than 64,000 miles are just incidental. The entire world needs to learn a lot from this majestic country.

By His Excellency Jens Eikaas, Ambassador to the UAE, Kingdom of Norway.

Norway has a great vision, and we want to preserve Norway as a good country to live in for future generations, and to carry with us the strong aspects of Norwegian society. We have high employment, and we benefit from abundant natural resources and a strong fiscal position. Our education system contributes to a well-educated workforce. Income and welfare are more evenly distributed than in most countries. In the years ahead, Norway will nevertheless face challenges. Our ability to tackle these challenges requires that we are successful in some main areas:

An inclusive labour market with high participation rates:

A cornerstone of Norwegian society is its high employment rate. For the individual, having a job means a stable income, personal development, and an arena for social inclusiveness. At the same time, a sustainable welfare state is dependent on maintaining a balance between the number of people contributing to the system and the number receiving benefits. In the coming years, an ageing population means that a smaller share of the population will carry the burden of supporting the welfare state unless the retirement age increases. If many people are kept outside the workforce because of a lack of relevant skills, this burden will increase further. Higher immigration can amplify these challenges unless immigrants are well integrated in the labour market. Education and skill enhancement is the key to successfully confronting these challenges. We need to ensure that more people have access to strong vocational training programs and to higher education. At the same time, increasing life expectancy means we have to work longer. We need to ensure that we have a tax and welfare benefit system that makes it more beneficial to work than is the case today. We have to avoid a situation in which health problems, language difficulties, or a lack of a relevant and updated skillset prevent people from participating in the labor market. This will contribute to a society that creates opportunities for all.

Rising living standards must benefit everyone in society:

The vast majority of the population has benefitted from rising incomes over the past decades. In addition, the income of the next generation is less dependent on that of their parents than what is the case in many other countries. Norway has a good system of social welfare benefits and a well-functioning public sector. Technological breakthroughs will be necessary to confront climate change. New technological solutions are also a precondition for better and more sustainable social services in the future. Welfare technology may make public healthcare more efficient and better placed to manage the challenges associated with an aging population. Improving living standards will require raising productivity growth in the private sector. Over the last decade, productivity has grown more slowly than in the past. This trend is amplified by the fact that the oil and gas sector will contribute less to economic growth than in the past. Greater emphasis on protecting the environment creates a new operating environment for the private sector both in Norway and abroad. Rising protectionism and policies aimed at reversing the tide of globalization will hurt us. Managing these transitions requires that we clear the way for the creation of jobs in the private non-oil sector. Income must be created before it can be shared.

Boosting Economy Worldwide

The single-most important step by the Government of Norway to boost its economy worldwide was taken when The Government Pension Fund Global was set up in 1990 to underpin long-term considerations when phasing petroleum revenues into the Norwegian economy. An investment arm of the Central Bank of Norway – NBIM (Norges Bank Investment Management) – manages the fund on behalf of the Ministry of Finance, which owns the fund on behalf of the Norwegian people. The ministry determines the fund’s investment strategy, following advice from, among others, NBIM and discussions in Parliament. The management mandate defines the investment universe and the fund’s strategic reference index. The Ministry of Finance has on a regular basis transferred capital to the fund from the Norwegian state’s petroleum revenues. The fund’s capital is invested abroad, to avoid overheating the Norwegian economy and to shield it from the effects of oil price fluctuations. The fund invests in international equity and fixed-income markets and real estate. The aim is to have a diversified investment mix that will give the highest possible risk-adjusted return within the set guidelines. The fund was designed to be invested for the long term, but in a way that made it possible to draw on when required. Despite its name, the fund has no formal pension liabilities. No political decision has been made as to when the fund may be used to cover future pension costs, and the probability of large withdrawals from the fund is limited. This makes the fund truly long-term. The Fund is an integrated part of the government’s annual budget. Its capital inflow consists of all government petroleum revenue, net financial transactions related to petroleum activities, and net of what is spent to balance the State’s non-oil budget deficit. This means the fund is fully integrated with the state budget and that net allocations to the fund reflect the total budget surplus, including petroleum revenue. Fiscal policy is based on the guideline that over time the structural, non-oil budget deficit shall correspond to the expected real return on the fund, estimated at 3 percent.

Amity with the UAE

As Norway’s Ambassador to the UAE, I am committed to seek opportunities to expand trade and investment between our two countries, and to strengthen the economic, political and cultural ties between us. This means, among other things, taking part in bilateral meetings at an official level, working with Norwegian businesses to give advice, updates on the situation, encouraging them to look into areas of interest that they may not yet have investigated, and to look at regional possibilities. With limited amount of funding available for business promotion activities in support of Norwegian businesses seeking to expand their activities abroad, we try to put these funds to good use, by helping to finance business seminars and receptions with potential customers and officials and so on, focusing on Norwegian competences and technologies.

Strengthening Ties with India

India is an important partner to Norway. Increased trade, investments and economic cooperation with mutual benefits are the topmost priorities for our two countries. Norway was among the very first countries to recognize India’s independence, actually on Independence Day itself in 1947. We established our Embassy in New Delhi in 1952, the same year as Norway’s very first international development cooperation project, a fisheries project in Kerala. From 2010 to 2016, the number of Norwegian companies established in India increased from 60 to more than 100. Indian companies are getting large contracts in Norway. Norwegian investments in India are estimated to close to USD 14 billion. Norwegian businesses have directly generated at least 15,000 jobs in India. The overall Indo-Norwegian cooperation covers wide areas such as energy and climate change, energy, environment and biodiversity, clean technologies, geohazards, health, gender, local governance, culture, and business. Our partnership is founded on mutual interests and respect.

Once in a Lifetime Destination

Many visitors, and no doubt the majority, associate Norway with nature, fjords, mountains, a cold climate and the northern lights. However, more and more visitors also say that they could experience interesting culture and history on a holiday in Norway, and that Norway is a place to experience exciting city life. The counterpoint to Norway’s natural beauty is found in Norway’s vibrant cultural life. Norwegian cities are cosmopolitan and brimful of architecture that showcases the famous Scandinavian flair for design through the ages. At the same time, a busy calendar of festivals, many of international renown, are worth planning your trip around. Altogether, Norway comes out well in overall rankings of tourist destinations. In the 2015 World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index, Norway is ranked No. 20. On a global scale, that is a rather impressive ranking. It is, for example, ahead of all countries in this region as tourist destinations, with the United Arab Emirates trailing closest, at No. 24.